New Zealand’s speedster Trent Boult is girding up his loins to face India in the upcoming two-match Test series starting from Friday (Feb 21) at Basin Reserve in Wellington. After recovering from a fractured hand, the left-armer is completely fit and aiming to take on Virat Kohli in the series opener.
The last time Boult appeared on the field was against Australia in the Boxing Day Test held in December 2019. Due to the injury, he also missed the recently concluded limited-overs series against India.
“That’s personally why I play the game, to get guys like that (Kohli) out and test myself against them, so I can’t wait to get stuck in. But he’s an exceptional player. Everyone knows how great he is,” Boult said ahead of the first Test, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Kohli has a good record against Kiwis in red-ball cricket. In seven matches, the 31-year-old has clubbed 735 runs with an average of 66.81. When it comes to performing on New Zealand’s soil, then the Indian captain has scored 214 runs in two games with an outstanding average of 71.33. He has also smashed three centuries against the Black Caps.
Boult, who has challenged Kohli, is looking forward to cash-in the pacer-friendly conditions in Wellington. The Rotorua-born said that he enjoys bowling at Basin Reserve.
“I’m preparing for a solid wicket. It generally is very good here and goes the full distance (five days). I do enjoy playing here, the history that’s involved, and it’s going to be an exciting week building up. I can’t wait to get out there,” added Boult.
Boult bowled a few overs in a club game, which has pumped him up ahead of the first Test.
“I think it is what it is. I have just got to put the last six or so weeks behind me and just back myself to get out there and do my thing. I was pushing in off the long run. I think a couple of the clubbies from Taupo really enjoyed that. It was a good afternoon,” Boult added further.
In the seven matches against India, the left-arm bowler has taken 25 wickets, with 10 in just two games played at home.
